Bruno S. Frey Livres

En période de crise, il peut paraître paradoxal, pour des économistes, de choisir le bonheur comme champ d’investigation. Mais nombre d’études sérieuses tentent ce retournement dans l’approche des difficultés actuelles. Les auteurs cernent ici ce qui peut donner à une personne, à divers degrés, le sentiment d’être satisfaite de sa vie. Des enquêtes ont permis en effet de détecter si l’on se sent plus ou moins heureux en fonction de son revenu (l’argent), de sa position sociale (la conscience des différences de revenus), de sa situation économique (l’emploi salarié ou indépendant, le chômage), de sa relation avec des loisirs plus ou moins exigeants (la télévision), de son statut civil (le mariage, le divorce). Les économistes vont jusqu’à mettre sous leur loupe les liens du bonheur avec certaines pratiques politiques (les votes fréquents, l’engagement local, la démocratie directe). Sur le bonheur, en langage d’économiste et non de psychologue, ce livre soumet à réflexion et à confirmation l’importance réelle que revêtent notamment, pour chacun de nous, les avantages matériels, certains groupes auxquels nous référer, un travail indépendant, une participation à la politique dans un sentiment de proximité.

Cultural Overtourism highlights the challenges faced by historical sites and museums overwhelmed by tourist crowds, resulting in detrimental impacts on both the sites and local communities. The rising awareness of these issues has led to increased protests and prompted various cultural institutions and cities to implement strategies aimed at controlling tourist influx. The book explores the balance between preserving cultural heritage and managing tourism sustainably.

Exploring the multifaceted nature of happiness, this book delves into the relationship between subjective life satisfaction and various factors such as income, job security, health, and social connections. It examines whether wealthier nations are inherently happier and the influence of genetics and political conditions on well-being. The author presents extensive interdisciplinary research, providing insights for both individuals seeking to understand personal happiness and policymakers aiming to enhance societal well-being.

A leading economist discusses the potential of happiness research (the quantification of well-being) to answer important questions that standard economics methods are unable to analyze.

Using the economic point of view for an analysis of phenomena related to artistic activities, Arts & Economics not only challenges widely held popular views, but also offers an alternative perspective to sociological or art historic approaches. The wide range of subjects presented are of current interest and relevant for cultural policy. The issues discussed include: institutions from festivals to „superstar“ museums, different means of supporting the arts, whether artistic creativity is undermined by public intervention, an investigation into art as an investment, the various approaches to valuing our cultural properties, and why direct voter participation in cultural policy is not antagonistic to artistic values.

The book explores the empirical connections between happiness, economics, and democracy, challenging the notion that happiness is an unscientific concept. Economists Bruno S. Frey and Alois Stutzer utilize insights from psychology, sociology, and political science to show how economic factors like income, unemployment, and inflation influence happiness. Their research focuses on Switzerland, leveraging its diverse direct democratic practices across cantons to isolate political impacts from economic ones, providing a unique perspective on quality of life.

Coercion or negative sanctions to deter terrorism have little effect and in some important instances are even counterproductive, claims Frey (economics, U. of Zurich), and it is time to consider alternatives to the anti-terrorist policy undertaken by major powers throughout the world. He proposes three specific anti-terrorist policies that use a positive approach and he believes to be viable. They are polycentricity or decentralization to reduce vulnerability to terrorist attacks; positive incentives offered to actual and prospective terrorists not to engage in violent acts; and diverting attention from the terrorist groups. Still not on the table is refraining from conduct that enrages vast populations. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Exploring the intersection of arts and economics, this book applies economic principles to analyze art markets, auction dynamics, and the factors influencing artists' success. It delves into various cultural sectors, including performing and visual arts, festivals, films, and museums. Additionally, the author examines cultural policies, the state's role in funding the arts, and how cultural engagement relates to overall happiness. Through this multifaceted approach, the book offers valuable insights into the economic impact of culture.

Challenging conventional views, this book presents economics as a vital social science that offers unique insights into societal issues. It critiques the prevalent mathematical approach in economics, arguing that it often neglects real-world applications and the complexities of human behavior. Instead, it advocates for a different perspective on economics that aligns more closely with other social sciences, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. The author aims to reveal a lesser-known approach that enriches our understanding of human actions and societal problems.